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Regional Development & Grant Specialist
MMDC is headquartered in the heart of the Willmar Lakes Area, on the beautiful and historic MinnWest Technology Campus, less than two hours west of Downtown Minneapolis. We are a small, public, regional development organization, serving communities, residents, and organizations throughout our four-county area (Minnesota Counties of Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, and Renville).
Salary Range: $63,572 to $82,907
Full Time: Work hours are very flexible. Significant remote work will be supported.
While we acknowledge that work is important, a “family-first” culture is emphasized.
Essential Functions (Illustrative only, other duties may be assigned)
Provides comprehensive grant assistance:
- Conducts research of available grant opportunities and assesses each for appropriateness;
- Provides opportunity-related outreach and education to potentially eligible grant applicants;
- Collaborates with eligible applicants to develop and submit grant applications – at times leading this process, to ensure timely, high-quality submissions;
- Provides grant administration assistance, as appropriate, by ensuring deliverables are met and required reports are composed and submitted, as required.
Provides planning assistance to local government units and other organizations:
- Consults with local entities and assists with the generation of planning contracts (e.g., comprehensive, strategic, transportation, energy & environmental, etc.) on MMDC’s behalf;
- Organizes planning processes, including meaningful public engagement, with MMDC’s planning clients and facilitates planning meetings;
- Incorporates gathered information and public input to prepare plan drafts and revisions;
- Works with MMDC Communications Specialist to ensure visual appeal;
- Arrange and attend public hearings/meetings to present the final draft for client adoption.
Leads or supports the development or implementation of special projects:
- Seeks agreements for specialty projects, on MMDC’s behalf;
- Participates in project/program development, research, and implementation activities for various areas of MMDC focus;
- Ensures all program-related obligations are satisfied and that all necessary reports are composed and submitted in a timely manner;
- Supports and assists other project-involved MMDC or partner agency team members.
Completes special reports/studies:
- Conducts research and prepares information to inform decision-making on a variety of topics (e.g., housing, transportation, childcare, infrastructure);
- Conducts specialized research by studying state statutes and regulations; reviews various ordinances and planning literature; and compiles/analyzes census and other survey data.
Participates in MMDC client relations:
- Assists with the preparation and administration of department and/or position-related service contracts;
- Manages routine and smaller projects;
- Represents MMDC at various meetings on position-related topics, facilitating when appropriate;
- Prepares and provides public presentations on position-related projects.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Attends MMDC staff, commission, and relevant committee meetings;
- Receives/responds to telephone calls in a timely manner;
- Prepares information on projects and issues for annual reports, newsletters, and staff reports;
- Attends position-relevant training, as appropriate and as budgets allow;
- Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and generally comfortable using personal computers (e.g., basic word processing, spreadsheets, internet, and email);
- Must have strong organizational and critical thinking/analytical skills;
- Must have strong communication skills (written, oral, and nonverbal), including good active listening skills as well as public speaking and presentation skills;
- Must have outstanding people skills, including the ability to provide outreach and to maintain professional working relationships with collaborators from MMDC and other organizations (e.g., community and business leaders);
- Must be a self-starter who is able to work independently, manage own schedule, and balance multiple projects to meet deadlines with extreme proficiency.
- Must be able to navigate regional, state and federal grant and/or loan processes;
- Must be skilled in research and able to include citations and incorporate basic statistics (e.g., median, mean, etc.), as appropriate, when preparing reports/studies;
- Must be adept in the creation of attractive, user-friendly documents, tables, graphs and figures;
- Must have problem-solving skills and be willing and able to overcome obstacles to find solutions;
- Machines, tools, and equipment used:
- Computer and peripheral equipment;
- Mobile phone (stipend provided for use of personal phone);
- MMDC Business machine (office copier/scanner).
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, communications, leadership, research, urban design, sustainability, energy, conservation, public affairs, public administration, nonprofit management, business, education, social work, community organizing, or related field, OR significant demonstrated experience in grant writing, grant management, community outreach, project management, and/or community planning/development.
- Valid Minnesota driver’s license or ability to obtain within the employer-specified timeframe.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in one of the above programs and significant grant writing and grant management experience.
To apply, send your resume/CV, references, and MMDC’s application form to [email protected]. Not sure if you’re a good fit, or if MMDC is a good fit for you? Reach out to Eric and he’ll be happy to schedule a call to learn about you and tell you more about our organization and Regional Development & Grant Specialist role.
This position will remain open until filled.
People from all walks of life are strongly encouraged to apply. MMDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
